The North Ballarat Rebels suffered their third loss in four matches on Sunday, going down to the Dandenong Stingrays.
The Stingrays made the Rebels pay for their inaccurate kicking at goal, eventually winning by 48 points.
North Ballarat dominated play for much of the first quarter, but as was the case for much of the day, failed to hurt Dandenong on the scoreboard. Dandenong's two first quarter goals came from free kicks.
The first part of the second quarter was much the same as the first as the Rebels had numerous shots at goal with little result.
When Dandenong did win the ball into their forward they made the Rebels pay and took an eight-point lead into the main break.
The premiership quarter proved just that. Dandenong dominated as they piled on five goals to the Rebels' one to snuff out any chance of a revival.
Poor decision making and a lack of numbers at contests continued to hurt North Ballarat.
Pride was at stake for the Rebels in the last term, but once again they were eclipsed by the Stingrays who kicked five goals to the home team's three.
Better players for the Rebels included rover Mick Foster, first year player Matt Rosa and reliable captain Jed Adcock.
Nigel Otto will front the tribunal this week on a charge of striking Dandenong rover Ricky Morris.
The Rebels take on the Northern Knights this week in a home game to be played at Stawell's Central Park.
The team hopes that several key players may return from injury in what is shaping up as a "must win'' game.
Dandenong Stingrays 17.9 (111) d North Ballarat Rebels 8.15 (63)
Goals: Campbell 2, Chester, Driscoll, Harris, Herring, A. Hurse, Otto
Best: Foster, Rosa, Adcock, Thurgood, Burchell, Otto.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:39